Senior EditorOctober 31, 2022
Likes
- Fantastic hybrids
- Even standard model is thrifty
- Rugged looks
- Great safety
tech
- Big lineup
Dislikes
- Base engine is light on refinement…
- …and power
- Interior lacks head room
- Can get costly, and that’s before dealer markups
Buying tip
The RAV4 works plenty well in XLE trim, especially as a hybrid.
features & specs
Adventure AWD
Hybrid LE AWD
Hybrid Limited AWD
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 earns its keep as America’s top-selling SUV, especially as a hybrid or Prime.
What kind of vehicle is the 2023 Toyota RAV4? What does it compare to?
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 is a five-seat crossover SUV. Shop it against the Subaru Forester and the Nissan Rogue.
Is the 2023 Toyota RAV4 a good SUV?
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It’s a deservedly popular choice that benefits from a huge range of configurations, decent infotainment, and lots of crash-avoidance tech. Hybrid versions are the real gems here, including the costly RAV4 Prime. Overall, the RAV4 rates 6.5 out of 10 on the TCC scale. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
What's new for the 2023 Toyota RAV4?
The RAV4 gains a new infotainment system this year, plus its collision-avoidance tech sees several behind-the-scenes changes. A new Woodland Edition trim level adds bronze-painted wheels, too.
Carried over are the rakish good looks that have helped catapult the RAV4 to the top sales position in the U.S. for the last few years. Crisp lines, squared-off wheel wells, and plenty of contrasting trim give the RAV4 a decidedly rugged appearance.
It’s adventurous—if you want it to be.
Base versions use a 203-hp inline-4 that works just fine, though it could be quieter when pushed. The hybrid powertrain is the gem of this lineup, with better acceleration matched to improved fuel economy, too. Grab the RAV4 Prime—if you can find one—and you’ll find that 60 mph arrives in less than 6.0 seconds, plus you’ll have 42 miles of all-electric commuting.
Base RAV4s still average
somewhere in the neighborhood of 30 mpg combined, which isn’t too bad. Prime models may qualify for some tax breaks, too.
The RAV4’s cabin is just as busy as its exterior, though it’s well-equipped if light on head room. Cargo space is good, and so is safety. The RAV4 nearly aces crash testing and comes standard with a particularly good array of driver-assistance tech.
How much does the 2023 Toyota RAV4 cost?
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 starts at $28,910 in LE trim, plus $1,400 with all-wheel drive. While not the bargain it once was, it’s still possible to find a reasonably equipped RAV4 Hybrid XLE for about $34,000.
The range tops out well north of that, pushing $50,000 in top-end Prime configuration.
Where is the 2023 Toyota RAV4 made?
In Georgetown, Kentucky. RAV4 Prime models come from Japan, however.
It may not be the freshest design around, but the RAV4 still looks great.
Is the Toyota RAV4 a good-looking car?
We like it a lot. There’s enough 4Runner and Tacoma to the latest RAV4 that it gives off a more rugged impression than its car-like
manners would otherwise suggest. It’s stubby, angular, and fun, with a wide range of variance between trim levels. We rate the RAV4 at 8 out of 10, with two points for its exterior and another for its neat, clean cabin.
The RAV4’s blunt front end wears all sorts of cut-outs as well as complex LED headlights. Blistered fenders with unpainted trim in most versions provide a rugged, muscular look, and the big rearmost roof pillar gives off a sporty vibe.
Adventure and TRD Off-Road versions look downright rugged, while Prime models with their glossy bumper trim go for a more citified look.
Inside, the RAV4 has a simple, well-conceived design available in a wide range of hues. Nicer plastics and real leather would spruce it up north of $40,000, though.
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Even in its most common, standard-issue form, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 keeps up well enough with traffic and boasts a comfy ride. Hybrid and especially RAV4 Prime models boast the best acceleration, and those with an S in their name—SE and XSE—deliver slightly sharper handling.
The lineup as a whole grabs a 5 out of 10 rating, though.
Is the Toyota RAV4 4WD?
Base
4-cylinder models are offered with front-wheel drive, but others come with all-wheel drive. Gas-only models use a conventional system that ships power to the rear wheels when needed.
Adventure, TRD Off-Road, and Limited versions can split power between the rear wheels, too, for better grip in stickier situations.
Hybrid and Prime versions toss an electric motor on the rear axle, which engages when needed.
How fast is the Toyota RAV4?
With the standard 4-cylinder rated at a reasonable 203 hp, the RAV4 offers adequate go. The 8-speed automatic transmission behaves well enough, though the engine can become raucous when pushed.
Hybrids add a battery pack and that electric motor mounted at the rear for a total of 219 hp. They’re noticeably quicker, though, thanks to a broader torque band.
RAV4
Primes are costly, but they add a big 18.1-kwh battery pack that ups power to a heady 302 hp. They’re downright rapid, with a 0-60 mph time of just 5.7 seconds. That big battery pack means a heftier feel over the road, too, though all RAV4s have quick-witted steering and nimble responses.
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The Toyota RAV4 is not a top choice for taller passengers.
Those shapely lines outside result in limited
interior room. We wind up rating the 2023 RAV4 at just 6 out of 10 for comfort and quality, with the only point above average here dedicated to a decent cargo area.
The RAV4’s sleek windshield makes climbing in a head-banging affair, and we’re not talking about what’s playing through the optional JBL audio system. The available sunroof limits head space even further.
The seats themselves provide adequate comfort, though base LE versions
lack power adjustment or lumbar support.
Rear-seat riders have decent leg room, but again they’ll rub their heads against the ceiling if they have longer torsos.
The RAV4’s cabin comes outfitted in either standard cloth or optional synthetic leather.
The cargo area offers 37 cubic feet of space in most versions, which grows to 69 cubes with the second-row seatbacks flopped forward. Prime models
have slightly less space due to their battery packs, however.
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The 2023 Toyota RAV4 has a good overall safety record.
How safe is the Toyota RAV4?
It’s not our top choice, but the 2023 Toyota RAV4 has a generally strong crash-test record and plenty of driver-assistance tech.
We score it at 8 overall thanks to top ratings from the
NHTSA and the IIHS, plus standard automatic emergency braking, active lane control, automatic high-beam headlights, and adaptive cruise control.
The NHTA’s five-star rating takes into account a four-star rating for front impact protection. The IIHS, meanwhile, says that the Top Safety Pick award applies to all models except the LE, which has less-effective LED reflector headlights compared to the LED projectors on other versions.
Rearward
vision isn’t great, since the RAV4 has thick roof pillars.
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Toyota offers a RAV4 for just about every need.
This huge lineup stretches from around $29,000 to north of $40,000, including front- or all-wheel drive, sporty(ish) or rugged(ish), and almost luxurious.
Our 8 score here comes courtesy of decent standard fare, a good infotainment system that’s been
upgraded for 2023, and overall great value across the range. Just don’t pay too much over MSRP.
The base RAV4 LE will set you back $28,910 with front-wheel drive, or $1,400 more to power all four wheels. (The AWD-only hybrid runs a modest $1,300 more, too.) Its 17-inch steel wheels don’t impress, but things look better from there thanks to standard active safety tech, adaptive cruise control, cloth seats, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto
and Apple CarPlay compatibility.
A mediocre 3-year/36,000-mile warranty is countered by a good reputation for reliability.
Which Toyota RAV4 should I buy?
At the very least, we’d step up to the XLE, which adds a power-adjustable driver’s seat and alloy wheels, plus access to optional extras including a sunroof, heated front seats, and rain-sensing wipers. Grab an XLE Hybrid with heated seats
and Toyota will want about $34,000. The XLE Premium adds synthetic leather upholstery and automatic climate control, though it isn’t available as a hybrid.
If you’re planning to go off-road, the RAV4 Adventure at about $34,000 boasts rugged looks, but it takes spending north of $38,000 for the TRD Off-Road for its higher ride height and additional drive modes.
How much is a fully loaded Toyota RAV4?
The
RAV4 Prime starts at around $43,000 in SE trim. Stepping up to the XSE means synthetic leather, a foot-activated power tailgate, upgraded LED headlights, and JBL audio, plus an upsized 10.5-inch touchscreen. Add heated rear seats, a head-up display, a surround-view camera system, and a few other niceties, and Toyota will want a hefty $50,180.
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Pick the RAV4 Hybrid for Prius-like fuel economy.
Is
the Toyota RAV4 good on gas?
It’s terrific, even in its thirstiest form. That said, fuel economy varies a bit by trim level and configuration.
Base front-wheel-drive models mostly rate at 27 mpg city, 35 highway, 30 combined, which is also matched by the RAV4 LE with all-wheel drive. That’s enough for a 4 out of 10 on our scale. Other versions with all-wheel drive rate between 28 and 29 mpg combined, a modest distinction. The RAV4 TRD
is the thirstiest of the pack at 25/32/28 mpg, but that’s still pretty good.
Hybrids check in at 41/38/40 mpg. Yes, really: 40 mpg combined.
The RAV4 Prime, meanwhile, averages 38 mpg combined on gas and electricity, but it boasts an estimated 42-mile range on a full charge. A typical commuter could drive to and potentially from work every day using not an ounce of fuel.
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The Car Connection Consumer Review
Are the 2023 Toyotas out yet?
The third-generation all-new 2023 Sequoia is projected to hit showrooms in the summer of 2022.
What Toyota cars are coming out in 2023?
Here's what's new at Toyota for the 2023 model year, including the GR Corolla hot hatch, the Crown sedan, and a new Sequoia SUV. Toyota's most highly anticipated 2023 vehicles include two enthusiast specials: a manual-transmission GR Supra and the GR Corolla.
What colors will the 2023 RAV4 come in?
This 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition will be available in three different exterior colors: Midnight Black Metallic, Cavalry Blue, and Ice Cap.
Is there a new Toyota RAV4 coming out?
Expect the first 2023 Toyota RAV4, 2023 RAV4 Hybrid, and 2023 RAV4 Prime vehicles to begin shipping to dealerships across the country sometime around November.
